Surrey Archaeological Society

Evaluation by T Munnery of SCAU close to the site of the Scheduled Caesar’s Camp revealed evidence of prehistoric activity, with a slight concentration of Neolithic to Early Bronze Age flintwork to the east and Late Bronze Age structural evidence to the west. Two undated ditch sections from two trenches appeared to be aligned and may be the earthwork identified by William Stukeley in the 18th century.

Evaluation by J Pine and A Weale of TVAS in advance of possible mineral extraction involved the excavation of 149 trenches. A high density of certain and probable archaeological deposits was revealed, with 60% of the trenches proving positive, although little cultural or environmental dating evidence was recovered from them. Where such evidence was present, the deposits reflected Early Neolithic and probable Middle to Late Bronze Age occupation, with prehistoric activity of other periods represented by a few pieces of possible Mesolithic flintwork, Late Neolithic and Late Iron Age pottery.

Evaluation by L Loe of OA comprising two trenches to inform the design of an extension on the south side of the church. Within the first trench, five inhumation burials were revealed with associated coffin fittings of the post-medieval period. The second trench revealed a further five inhumation burials, but these had no associated post-medieval coffin fittings and are thought to date to the medieval period. A linear cut feature pre-dating the burials was also revealed in this trench.

Second phase of evaluation continuing from work in 2007 by D Hopkinson of ASE. A small group of shallow gullies, some of which contained Bronze Age to Iron Age pottery, was revealed, together with a field drain containing a single sherd of Roman pottery, and a natural feature containing a single Mesolithic flint flake.

Watching brief by M Broomfield of SyAS did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest, although the intrusive groundworks carried out ultimately proved to be particularly small-scale.

Watching brief by R Savage of SyAS during a stoppage on the Wey Navigation. Evidence for the construction of a partition or weir between the large mill pond and the Navigation was revealed. The brick and timber construction of the weir incorporated rectangular blocks of waste from copper processing and may date from Alexander Raby’s ownership of the site between c 1777 and 1807 when he maintained an iron and copper works here. Metalworking continued at the adjacent mill until 1831, so the construction of the weir could relate to later works.

Watching brief by H Knight of MOLA, forming part of the project ongoing at this site since 2002 (SyAC 90, 91, 94 and 95), examined the western foreshore remodelling near, but not directly adjacent to, the south of Chertsey Bridge. Truncated deposits of 16th–19th century date were noted, but no evidence was revealed of the medieval Chertsey Bridge structure – presumed to have been located very close to the north of the site. No significant finds or features of earlier date were apparent.

Watching brief by K Johnson of CA revealed alluvial silt sealing successive layers of demolition material associated with the dismantling of the abbey. No in-situ structural remains were encountered in an investigation that by design did not proceed through the complete sequence of deposits in some areas. However, a number of noteworthy finds were recorded, including twelve inlaid medieval tiles from the nationally significant Chertsey tilery, and a coin of 1603, which suggests that the demolition process on the site continued for some time following the Dissolution. (408)

Watching brief by J Lander for EH during fishpond excavations did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological significance.

Magnetometer survey by D Calow of SyAS with members of Addlestone Historical Society to locate possible pottery kilns, revealed a magnetic anomaly that may indicate the presence of a feature of archaeological interest. (418)